Quebec (or Québec in French) is the largest province in Canada, spanning nearly 20 degrees of latitude between 44°N and 62°N. While its Severe continental Climate makes viticulture here extremely challenging, there is indeed a flourishing wine industry.
Viticulture is largely confined to the very South of the province aLong the international border with the USA. Cold-hardy HybridGrape varieties such as Marechal Foch, Seyval Blanc and Vidal dominate the Vineyards in the region.
More specifically, most of Quebec's vineyards are located in the area immediately surrounding Montreal on the banks of the St Lawrence River. There are some vineyards near Québec City, 200 kilometers (140 miles) to the northeast.
The river valley is fertile, but extremely long winters brought about by Quebec's continental climate mean that vignerons must look to earlier-ripening grape varieties with the ability to withstand extremes of temperature.
Quebec produces much less wine than neighboring Ontario, but is noted for the quality of its ice wine.
Even though it accounts for less than 10 percent of the province's total production, it easily realizes the best prices. The thick-skinned Vidal grape is well suited to ice-wine production.
Most Quebec wine is consumed locally. The vast majority of it is sold through the state owned Societe des alcools du Québec (SAQ) and the Marche des Saveurs at the vibrant Jean-Talon Market in Montreal.
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